Photo By Joshua Plueger | As Team Offutt continues to recover from flooding that enveloped the base two months...... read more read more
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As Team Offutt continues to recover from flooding that enveloped the base two months ago, members are reminded that severe weather season is here.
Taking a few moments to learn what to do in the event of severe weather can make all the difference if the unthinkable happens.
“Know where you’re going and how to get there in a safe but expedient manner,” said Tech. Sgt. Roger Butler, 557th Weather Wing occupational safety manager. “People become complacent and think nothing will happen to them, but it can happen.”
Tornadoes
For those not familiar with Midwest weather, tornadoes generate the most questions. Tornadoes often form at the edges of thunderstorms and can be accompanied by lightning, hail, strong winds and heavy rain. In the Offutt area, most storms occur between March and August and tend to form between 3 - 9 p.m. but can occur at any time with the right conditions.
Team Offutt members, especially those working in new offices because of the flood, should take a moment to learn their designated tornado shelter location.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. During this time, monitor weather broadcasts, bring in any pets, secure items such as garbage cans or toys that could blow away and be ready to shelter within a few minutes.
A tornado warning is when a tornado has been indicated by weather radar and that a tornado is imminent. People in the affected area should take shelter immediately.
When selecting a shelter, look for a windowless, interior room on the lowest level or basement of a building that is away from windows, doors and outside walls. If available, try to get under a sturdy piece of furniture and use arms to protect the head and neck. If at work, look for the designated tornado shelter and follow announced instructions.
Anyone with base access who does not feel safe taking shelter at home is welcome to use the lower level of Building 301 D. The ground level entrances 2 and 3 on the East side of the building provide the easiest access. Do not attempt to reach Building 301 D if a tornado warning has already been issued.
Additional advice and sheltering locations across Offutt AFB are available at http://www.offutt.af.mil/resources/inclement-weather under the tornado hazards link.
Thunderstorms
At the first sign of thunderstorms, head inside and follow the 30/30 rule: If thunder can be heard less than 30 seconds after seeing the corresponding lightning, the storm is close enough to pose a threat. After the storm, wait 30 minutes before going outside.
During the storm, do not touch any corded electronics or plumbing, as lightning could find a path through the wires and pipes.
Flash flooding
Flash flooding is an underestimated threat. The fast-moving water can move or destroy vehicles, trees, boulders, buildings, bridges and more. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, immediately move to higher ground. As little as six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet and 12 inches of water can sweep away a vehicle. Never attempt to drive across a flooded road.
How to prepare
Severe weather can cause anxiety; the best cure is to be prepared. Step one is knowing what to do, step two is having supplies ready.
“After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days,” said Trip Spiller, Offutt Emergency Management Office chief. “Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.”
An emergency supply kit should include essential supplies such as drinking water, ready-to-eat, non-perishable food, a can opener, a First aid kit with manual, any needed prescriptions, personal sanitation supplies, a weather alert radio, a hand crank or battery-powered flashlight, extra batteries, a cell phone with charger, a whistle, cash, local maps, copies of important documents and supplies for any pets.
An additional item for an emergency kit is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, which offers specific area messaging, known as SAME, and can be set to sound an alarm only when hazardous weather threatens a specific county. These are useful for storms that occur in the middle of the night.
The emergency kit should also include a family plan, which includes contact information and plans for how to find each other in the event family members become separated.
“Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes,” said Spiller. “So it is important for each member to be familiar with how they will receive alerts and warnings, where to seek shelter, how they will evacuate an area and how you will meet back up after the disaster.”
To learn more about how to prepare for severe weather and other disasters, download the Air Force Be Ready app. It offers guides, a family plan template and contact information. Once downloaded, the app will work without an internet connection.
For information specific to Offutt, visit http://www.offutt.af.mil/resources/inclement-weather. The page offers guidance for each type of severe weather, local shelter information, as well as links to preparedness resources. The Offutt Emergency Management Office is available at DSN 294-3642 or cex.channel@us.af.mil.
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2019 10:34 |
| Story ID: | 341478 |
| Location: | OFFUTT AFB, NEBRASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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